Checking In on Rangers' Prospects Early in the Season
From college standouts to long shots fighting for an ELC, the Rangers have 16 unsigned rookies kicking off crucial seasons across North America and Europe. Here’s where they all stand to start the year.
The New York Rangers have a total of 16 unsigned rookies setting off on seasons of varying levels of importance. For some, it could be a make or break year with an entry level contract on the line. For others, it could be a chance for them to take massive steps in their own development, or an opportunity for a bounce-back year.
To kick things off, the Rangers have three rookies that are coming up on deadlines for signing their entry level contracts. Brody Lamb, Nathan Aspinall and Raoul Boilard all must sign prior to July 1, 2026 or the Rangers will release their rights.
Brody Lamb, Right Wing - University of Minnesota
We have plenty of prospects to talk about so I’m not going to say all that much about Brody Lamb…for now. Instead, keep your eyes open for a full feature piece coming soon on Lamb and how he can potentially turn into next season's Noah Laba.
Nathan Aspinall, Left Wing - Flint Firebirds, OHL
Appearing in his fourth OHL season, Aspinall is off to a hot start as he already has three goals in just two games for the Flint Firebirds. Drafted in the fifth round (159th overall) in 2024, Aspinall is one of those prospects that fit the Matt Rempe-mold the Rangers were targeting in recent drafts where size was one of the key factors. At 6-7, 195 pounds, Aspinall is a sizable winger who has already had a couple cups of coffee at the AHL level, appearing in five games with the Hartford Wolf Pack last season. With so many prospects across the Canadian major junior leagues making the jump to American college hockey, Aspinall has the opportunity to become more of an impact player in the OHL. If all goes according to plan, this should be his last season of junior as he can sign his entry-level deal and be a full-time part of the Hartford Wolf Pack next season. For now, you can follow him in the OHL with the Flint Firebirds.
Raoul Boilard, Center - Shawinigan Cataracts, QMJHL
The last player in the Rangers prospect pool entering a make-or-break season that could determine an entry level contract, Raoul Boilard has gotten off to a bit of a rough start. Throughout the first five games of the QMJHL season, Boilard has been held pointless, which is not ideal for a former fourth round pick playing in what is historically the weaker of the three junior leagues. There’s still plenty of time for him to turn it around, but with center being such a position of need for the Rangers and Boilard entering an important year, it’s crucial that he picks it up sooner rather than later. This is a player who was once regarded as one of the more complete centers in the QMJHL, solid playmaker with good hockey sense and ability to win face-offs. Boilard could be a project, but needs to earn that ELC first and foremost. He'll be a name to keep an eye on in the QMJHL this season.
